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Furniture First Looks for New Members Via New Web Site
May 17,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Internet on May 18, 2011
Furniture First has created a new Web site for retailers interested in joining the buying group.
The Web site describes the benefits of membership, in addition to the rebates and discounts members receive from furniture manufacturers. Visitors to the site are greeted by an introductory video featuring Bill Hartman, president of Furniture First, explaining how the organization makes its members more profitable.
Were very excited about our new Web site and its potential to reach furniture retailers who may not be familiar with Furniture First, Hartman said. Our staff designed the Web site to show how we are different from other buying groups by showcasing all the benefits of membership. Retailers join for the rebates, but our members find that other benefits are more valuable to their business. We have a staff of 16 in Harrisburg, Pa., that our members call on a daily basis for help with their businesses.
Furniture First members often call on the know-how of their fellow members as well. Hartman said that since they are not in direct competition with each other, they are more open to sharing ideas, strategies and best-selling merchandise. While the group has members in 46 states, Hartman states that there is room for expansion. We have recently added staff to offer more services to our members," he said. "Now we have the ability to make even more furniture retailers more profitable.
The Web site launch coincides with the groups Midwest regional meeting. Thirty-one member companies are gathering in Minneapolis for two days of educational sessions, program presentations, idea-sharing and networking. The regional meetings also serve as a forum for members to provide feedback to the staff of Furniture First about new initiatives and services the group offers its members. A Southeast regional meeting will take place in Charlotte, N.C., in July and a Northeast regional member meeting will be held in Mashantucket, Conn., in October.